Reading Museum awarded heritage fund grant to reimagine Roman Britain

Major investment in Reading’s heritage

Reading Museum has been awarded £714,785 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the 'Roman Britain – Reimagined in Reading' project.

The funding will support a new permanent gallery that redisplays nationally significant Iron Age and Roman collections from Silchester, the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, and its surrounding area.

The project represents a major investment in Reading’s cultural life and will help ensure the town’s Roman history is shared with future generations.

Discovering Calleva gallery

A new 'Discovering Calleva' gallery will be created at Reading Museum.

The gallery has been shaped by feedback from residents, partners, visitors and community groups. People said they wanted an experience that feels immersive and relevant, rather than text-heavy displays.

The space will showcase extraordinary archaeological finds from Silchester, one of the most important Roman towns in Britain, using inclusive design and interactive features.

Visitors will see iconic objects such as the Silchester eagle and one of only two Roman wooden water pumps found in Britain, displayed in ways that bring their stories to life.

Designed with communities in mind

Community voices have played a central role in shaping the project.

During development, the museum worked with a wide range of people, including low-income families, people from different ethnic backgrounds, neurodivergent visitors, people with visual impairments, schools and volunteers.

Feedback highlighted a desire for sensory interpretation, tactile objects and stories that connect ancient Roman life with modern Reading. These ideas will be reflected throughout the new gallery.

What the project will include

The project will deliver a wide range of new experiences and opportunities, including:

• an immersive Calleva Gallery with sounds, smells, tactile elements and interactive displays - visitors will encounter recreated Roman spaces, 3D-printed handling objects and learn how ancient Calleva may have been connected to modern Reading
• redisplay of more than 1,000 objects, including the Silchester Eagle, Silchester Horse and Caversham Font
• a community engagement programme with activities for all ages, from early years sessions to artist residencies, craft workshops and a Roman Festival
• expanded learning resources aligned with the national curriculum
• 52 volunteer roles and two paid internships offering skills and experience in heritage and community engagement

Strong partnerships and funding support

Alongside the Heritage Fund grant, Reading Museum has secured £236,808 in additional cash contributions and £28,000 in non-cash support, including volunteer time and specialist expertise.

Supporters include The Earley Charity, private donors, Friends of Reading Museum, and academic partners at the University of Reading. The university’s archaeology department is completing the final publication stage of 50 years of research at Silchester, helping inform the gallery’s interpretation.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture

"This is a landmark moment for Reading, building on our already vibrant cultural and historical offer.

Thanks to the incredible support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and to the generosity of our partners, we can reimagine and bring to life one of the most important chapters in our history for a new generation.

The 'Roman Britain – Reimagined' project will not only showcase world-class archaeological treasures from Silchester but will also create an inclusive, interactive experience that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our community.”

Nick Holliday from the London & South Committee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund

"It’s fantastic to be here today to celebrate this fantastic project. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re proud to support Reading Museum in transforming how the story of Roman Britain is shared. This project will bring the nationally important Silchester collections to life in exciting and inclusive ways, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can access and connect with this remarkable heritage for years to come.”

Reading Museum looks forward to welcoming visitors to the new Calleva gallery in 2028, following a comprehensive programme of design, construction, and community engagement."